Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/8/2009

Question
i have been medically disqualified because of being born with a hole in my heart. i am appealing to the Navy surgeon or whoever is above MEPS. i have played all contact sports my whole life-football, baseball, karate and wrestling. all without limitations and medications or any complications. i am also going to see a heart doctor on thursday to verify my heart is good to go. i had surgery to repair it at 2yrs old. i can do the pushups/situps requirement and the 1.5mi run. is this sufficient to still get in? i want to see the world. change the world and make a difference everyday. Colonel Cynthia said she might see me in department of defense if i can't get in.


Answer
Pete,
In the U.S. more than 3,000 babies are born with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) [hole in the heart] ASD each year.   ASD is the second most common congenital heart defect.  The right side of the heart has to work harder to pump extra blood to the lungs, especially as resistance in the pulmonary artery increases. Over time, the heart may become overworked, and function may become impaired.  The extra blood being pumped to the lungs can increase the pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Over time, high pressure can damage the arteries and the small blood vessels in the lungs. They thicken and become stiff, making it harder for blood to flow through them (pulmonary vascular disease).  Usually, most of these effects don’t show up until adulthood, often around age 30 or later.

Face it, what you had was very serious.  Although you and I both know you're fine now, in short, you have the Navy scared.  If they accept you and something happens and you should die they get a lot of bad press.  Also, it's possible that if they accept you and years from now complications should develop, you'll cost them a lot of money in health care down the road.  The Navy just isn't willing to take the risk by accepting you.  They'd rather play it safe and wait for another candidate who has no health problems.  It's not fair, but that's life.

What Colonel Cynthia is probably saying, and I agree is, have you considered Federal Civil Service?  They're in all the Services working right alongside military folks, even overseas, the only difference is they don't wear uniforms.  You can't beat a steady government paycheck.  It may be worth your while to check into it at: http://www.usajobs.gov/  My wife just retired from Civil Service after working in the Department of Defense for 22 years.  She's worked right alongside me most everywhere I've gone.

Thanks for wanting to serve your country in uniform, but you can still serve.
Colonel H